Spring football practice opens

Just settling in before tonight’s conclusive basketball game at UT-Arlington. If you thought Austin traffic was bad, try getting through it with I-35 closed. Painful.

At any rate, I’ve got just enough time to check in on the opening of spring practice this morning at Farris Stadium. It was wet, it was cold, it was windy and it was closed (to the media). Despite all those obstacles — well, the ones related to weather, at least — head coach Larry Coker said he was pleased with the results of Saturday’s two-hour workout.

“The attitude was great,” Coker said. “The guys understand what we want in terms of the tempo.”

If the team’s inexperience was a theme of fall camp, a significant improvement in physical and mental preparation could be the counter for this month’s workouts. Offensive coordinator Travis Bush, who is every bit the straight shooter Coker is, echoed his boss’ observation, praising the team for shaking off the elements and getting its work in.

Not much significant to report, but a few notes:

* Cole Hubble, Brandon Armstrong and Kam Jones have been moved permanently to wide receiver. The would appear to A. Solidify Eric Soza as the starter at quarterback (as if that was in any doubt); B. Further entrench receiver as the team’s strongest position; and C. Pave the way for new signee Chris Johnson, incumbent David Glasco and incoming recruit Tevin Williams to handle running back.

Coker singled Glasco out for praise, saying he’s fully recovered from a lingering hamstring problem that limited his effectiveness during fall camp until a breakout performance in one of the last scrimmages.

* Because the team worked out in shells rather than full pads, Coker said it was difficult to get a full handle on what Johnson can do. Especially after just one practice. But Coker said he’s been happy with Johnson so far, on and off the field. A former star at East Central, Johnson had been slated to sign last year but did not become eligible until this signing period.

“He’s special,” Coker said.

Associated strength/conditioning coach Travis Ruest recently echoed that sentiment, saying Johnson’s physical gifts stood out from almost every other player in the weight room since he signed at the start of semester.

* UTSA was (almost) able to field a full coaching staff for the first time. In addition to Kevin Brown (tight ends), Nathaniel Jones (cornerbacks) and Polo Gutierrez (running backs, promoted from graduate assistant), all of whom were hired since fall camp, prospective safeties coach Perry Eliano watched in an advisory role. Tabbed to replace the departed Mike Menefee, the former Central Arkansas won’t be official until necessary paperwork clears.

* Coker said Hubble has recovered from a broken collarbone, and linebacker Cody Rodgers is limited but improving from the lingering shoulder injury that has bothered him since high school. Otherwise, no significant injuries to report.

* Next Friday’s workout was incorrectly released as a scrimmage. There will be only two scrimmages, on March 28 and April 4. They will be open to anyone willing to get up in time for the 7 a.m. starts.